We all know how difficult those teen years can be. Relationships are difficult enough for adults let alone teens! We all remember what it was like. Here is a real life story sent to me yesterday. I had to share it with you, and hope that those of you teens and parents who are following my blog share and share. A lot can be learned from Mark's experience. I have to say, the maturity level displayed by both these kids knocked my socks off! Kudos to these two teens!
Greetings Tish
I thought I might run something by you and get your thoughts. My 17 year old son came home with a rather interesting story and I'm trying to put some thoughts together on what the best course of action is for him. He was chatting up a girl he is interested in and all was going quite splendidly (even lined up a coffee date) until he decided to pay her a "compliment" by telling her she had "awesome curves". He's very studious and normally very shy and reserved, so I don't know what possessed him to say that. She took offense and told him he was being inappropriate. He tried to repair the damage but only dug himself deeper. The conversation came to an abrupt end when she asked him to remove his glasses (he did so) and then SMACK - she slapped his face and walked off. It took him a minute or two to realize that she didn't want the glasses to fly across the room ;) So instead of landing a date for the weekend, he was left there standing alone, nursing a sore cheek. My feeling is he should apologize to the young lady and explain that he was just trying to tell her she was beautiful. Do you have any thoughts on this?
Before I could respond to the above, I received this:
Breaking News! He emailed her an apology and she just replied a little while ago. Her response is below. Gotta love happy endings!
Hi Mark and thank you for writing to me. I've been thinking things over. You seemed like such a sweet guy at first, and so smart and interesting! We were having a wonderful conversation and that's why I was really disappointed when you started commenting on my body. It felt really weird, creepy, and uncomfortable, especially since we hardly knew each other. There is a time and place for those sorts of comments, and it's not when you first meet a girl. Furthermore, I like to be appreciated for my brains, not my backside - even if both are rather generous ;) I was confused and angry, and that's why I slapped you. If you're not yet aware, we women are very emotional creatures ;)While I make no apologies for that, at least you behaved like a gentleman afterwards and knew that it was proper etiquette to "turn the other cheek" when a female slaps you. You also showed lots of maturity by coming back with a sweet and sincere apology. Most guys would not have done that. So, with all of that said, let's give this another try...ok?
P.S. Guess you probably figured out that I didn't want to damage your glasses. No thanks necessary...hehe